Osaze, Lukaku commend coach

Out-of-favour Super Eagle Peter Osaze Odemwingie and his West Brom team mate Romelu Lukaku have heaped praises on head coach Steve Clarke for his visionary efforts in building a strong team that can now challenge for continental competitions.

WBA are playing as a side well-tuned to their style throughout with energetic forwards Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie offering mobility along the front line. Right from the outset Odemwingie said he was impressed with Clarke’s outlook, emboldened by the Scot’s drive to look upwards in the league rather than prioritise mere survival.

“When I heard his ambitions for the season it was pleasing. He worked under big-name coaches so we knew he couldn’t be affected by those big-name coaches who want to win things. He said the goal was to build on our organisation and to almost double the number of passes that we make in every game. That was one of the targets. That helps you recover faster and create more chances,” Osaze stated.

Romelu Lukaku, a 19-year-old loanee from Chelsea who has been a superb addition to the side providing a daunting and powerful focal point for their attack is also feeling the benefits of working under Clarke.

“I have a head coach who wanted me from the beginning of the season and I have a great rapport with him. He’s not scared to put me on the bench even if I played well in the game before.

“It’s really good to have a head coach that is challenging me mentally and I like that because great players can always respond to that and hopefully I can be a great player in the future,” Lukaku added.